Tips For Tuesday ~ Let's Finish This Year Strong! 1 comments
By Debra Guthrie, Patriot Mom
Providence moms,
It’s the first week back from spring break. For our family, somehow the last quarter is always the most, well, let’s say… challenging. The kids are ready for summer. I’M ready for summer, and the weather is oh so nice. Summer is calling us!
Each year when spring break rolls around, we’ve hit our stride. We have our routine down. We’re going strong! Then spring break gets here, and all we can think about is the last day of school.
This year, I am making the decision to keep going strong. We can do it moms. It’s our job to set the tone for our homes. In my home, we are going to make a conscious effort to finish this race with EXCELLENCE! I have talked with my kids, and we have all agreed that we are going to run until we get our second wind!
Moms, we can do it. There are only six weeks of school left. Six weeks! Let’s not finish this race winded and gasping for air. Let’s run this race to win!
1 Corinthians 9:24
"Do you not know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win."
Mandy Matters 2 comments
PCCA Moms, I wanted to let you know of a new devotional e-newsletter for children created by PCCA 5th grade student Marjorie Jackson. Her pen name is Mandy Matters and she currently has 2 issues online. Please check them out at http://www.mandymatters.com/. You can also subscribe there (it's FREE!) to receive future issues every 2 weeks, and also tell your friends to subscribe. You can also send "Mandy Matters" an email through the site of any topics you would like to see addressed in future issues or just send her a comment about the newsletter. She LOVES to receive e-mail.
Enjoy!
Analucia
Enjoy!
Analucia
4th Grade Bird Projects 0 comments
Mrs. Smith's 4th graders recently presented their bird feeder/birdhouse projects to their science class. The students made their projects at home as one of their final assignments on their year long bird research.
Great job 4th graders! Mom To Mom ~ Question Of The Week 2 comments
By Shelley Cassar, Patriot mom
Question of the week:
What quick and easy recipes do you turn to when time is an issue?
One we use in a pinch is "turkey sausage with pork beans". The kids love it and it takes, no kidding, 5 minutes to prepare! I use turkey sausage and slice it into chunks'. Then I heat two cans of pork and beans, add the turkey sausage to the beans and serve with a slice of bread and butter. It always leaves them feeling satisfied.
What quick and easy recipes do you turn to when time is an issue?
One we use in a pinch is "turkey sausage with pork beans". The kids love it and it takes, no kidding, 5 minutes to prepare! I use turkey sausage and slice it into chunks'. Then I heat two cans of pork and beans, add the turkey sausage to the beans and serve with a slice of bread and butter. It always leaves them feeling satisfied.
Road To The Revolution is THIS WEEK! 0 comments
Road To The RevolutionWHEN? Monday, March 30th - 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 31st - 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
WHERE? West Campus Gym
WHO? All boys 5th to 8th grades
WHY? To Be Part Of The Revolution
MARCH MADNESS FAMILY MAYHEM
WHEN? Thursday, April 2nd 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
WHERE? Mad Pizza in Rogers
Join us for games, fun, and a major ANNOUNCEMENT!
Providence, Where A Kid Can Be A Kid 0 comments
By Kristi Crafton, Patriot MomSince our kids have been very young, my husband and I have sought to protect them from as many worldly influences as we could. One of our main goals is to protect the innocence of childhood for as long as possible. As I have watched my 12 and 10 year old this year, I have been thankful to observe evidences of this goal. Providence Academy and home school have been a large part of this success.
One of the things I have noticed about my older kids is that they still actively play. In a world of “cool”, they allow themselves the freedom of imaginative play. Often, they will be acting out the books they have read or something out of the history lessons. On a typical afternoon there might be Greek heroes, Pharaoh’s army, or Heidi running around in my back yard. Any number of Providence friends could be part of the group.
While attending some recent PCCA functions, I have really enjoyed watching the Junior High and High School kids interact. They run as a pack and there is a camaraderie that the whole group enjoys. This is a group of widely different personalities, but all seem to be accepted. I can see them thriving in this environment, both academically and socially. As I look over the crowd, I see a variety of kids that have joined Providence over the years. Many have joined in the middle of a school year. I have enjoyed watching some of these kids blossom and become absorbed into the group. My children feel pretty comfortable in their own skin, and I believe that the culture at PCCA has fostered this confidence.
Another benefit of attending PCCA has been the fellowship we have with like-minded families. My kids are often pushing for the next privilege such as a cell phone, or perhaps to watch a movie that we were not ready for them to see. I just wait until they use the “everyone else is doing it line”, then I can list off the names of those who are in the same boat, and also NOT allowed a certain privilege. This has been a great arsenal for me. This also lessens the pressure that the kids feel, and helps quell some of their desire. This group of parents is proactive in encouraging godly character traits in their own children, which encourages mine.
Providence has been a great partner in helping us achieve the goal of retaining innocence in our children. I am very thankful that we have been able to walk this path together.
Congratulations to the Providence students who competed and placed in the regional science fair last week.
Middle Division
Hannah Lueders: Second place in Animal Sciences
Hannah Lueders: Second place in Animal Sciences
Breanna Palen: Second place in Plant Sciences
Andrew Roberts: Second place in Engineering:Electrical and Mechanical
Milly Rogers: Second place in Behavioral and Social Sciences
Matthew Phillips: Third place in Chemistry
Luke Bandy: Third place in Energy and Transportation
Lakin Hall: Honorable Mention in Engineering: Electrical and Mechanical
Junior Division
Chad Mussler: Third place in Computer Sciences
Junior Division
Chad Mussler: Third place in Computer Sciences
Anne Elise Crafton: Honorable mention in Environmental Management
Crafts For Kids ~ How To Make A Decoupage Vase 0 comments
Submitted by Shelley Cassar
With Easter coming up, and plenty of extra time on spring break, it's a great time to do some crafts with your kids.
I love crafts that don't have to be perfect and leave a lot of room for the child to be creative. I found this one that they all enjoyed and it really does make a nice gift. Not only is it easy, it is inexpensive too! When it comes to crafting, the Dollar Store is my best friend!
What you will need:
A clear glass vase - You can find these at the dollar store or they have several shapes and sizes at Wal-mart starting at $1
Tissue paper - You can pick up several colors at the dollar store.
Modge Podge or Elmer's glue
Large paint brush
Plastic gloves - I found mine at the Dollar store as well. There were 5 pairs to a bag.
Newspaper to cover your work space with
How To:
You will cut your tissue paper into strips and squares. My 3 year old enjoyed ripping the paper into different shapes which works fine too.
Once your strips are ready to go you will want to fill a container with the glue. Put your gloves on because this will be messy. :-)
You will work on a section of the vase at a time by first applying a thin coat of glue to the vase. Once you have done that you will place a piece of your tissue paper on the spot with glue and then paint over the tissue with additional glue. You will continue this process until you have covered the vase.
It is best to turn your vase upside down and start from the lip of the vase and work back to the bottom. Don't worry about using too much glue, my motto is the more glue the better!
Let the vase dry overnight. By the morning you will have a lovely, original piece of art from your child!
With Easter coming up, and plenty of extra time on spring break, it's a great time to do some crafts with your kids.
I love crafts that don't have to be perfect and leave a lot of room for the child to be creative. I found this one that they all enjoyed and it really does make a nice gift. Not only is it easy, it is inexpensive too! When it comes to crafting, the Dollar Store is my best friend!
What you will need:
A clear glass vase - You can find these at the dollar store or they have several shapes and sizes at Wal-mart starting at $1
Tissue paper - You can pick up several colors at the dollar store.
Modge Podge or Elmer's glue
Large paint brush
Plastic gloves - I found mine at the Dollar store as well. There were 5 pairs to a bag.
Newspaper to cover your work space with
How To:
You will cut your tissue paper into strips and squares. My 3 year old enjoyed ripping the paper into different shapes which works fine too.
Once your strips are ready to go you will want to fill a container with the glue. Put your gloves on because this will be messy. :-)
You will work on a section of the vase at a time by first applying a thin coat of glue to the vase. Once you have done that you will place a piece of your tissue paper on the spot with glue and then paint over the tissue with additional glue. You will continue this process until you have covered the vase.
It is best to turn your vase upside down and start from the lip of the vase and work back to the bottom. Don't worry about using too much glue, my motto is the more glue the better!
Let the vase dry overnight. By the morning you will have a lovely, original piece of art from your child!
Happy Crafting!
Meet Ella Russell 0 comments
On Saturday, we welcomed baby Ella Russell to the Providence family at the "Sip and See" at the west campus.What a privilege it was to meet the newest member of the Russell family. Big sister Emma was proud.
Congratulations Heather and Matt.
We love you both, and are praying for you and grateful to have met the newest addition to your family.
Tips For Tuesday 0 comments
Submitted by Jeannee Rodgers, Patriot MomWe needed to get some extra practice with math facts and my kids were completely bored with flashcards. These are some links I have found that have fact practice games for the kids to play. It has made it a lot more fun!
Mom To Mom ~ Question Of The Week 3 comments
Can you believe we only have one more week until spring break?
Many of us are staying in Northwest Arkansas for spring break and having a "staycation." What are some fun ideas to do with our families right here in Northwest Arkansas?
Please comment on this to share your great ideas.
2nd Grade Moms Night Out 0 comments
One of the GREAT things about being a Patriot Mom is the fun friendships we make! This week, the 2nd grade moms had their March Moms Night Out, and held a "Goin' Green Game Night." Moms brought a GREEN snack, dressed festively, and played Pictionary and Taboo.
The 2nd grade moms have set aside one evening each month to get together and they take turns planning or hosting. If your class isn't already creating fun memories, go ahead and plan a moms night out for your class. What better way to create memories with Patriot Moms!
Can anyone guess who the mom with the green wig on is?And The Winner Is 0 comments
Congratulations to Michelle Fries for winning the random drawing for the Target gift card.
Thank you to all of the moms who sent in blog entries in the past few weeks to enter.
"Living Simply" ~ A Book You Must Read 2 comments
Ladies, this is the book I talked to you about at the Mom's Night Out last week. Do you know those books you read and think, "I need to read this book over each year?" This is one of those books. I recently read the book, "Living Simply ~ Choosing Less In A World Of More," by Joanne Heim. It's wonderful.The minute I finished reading it, I started over at the beginning. It's that good.
Basically, in a nutshell, as the author shares, "a simple life is one that involves intention and purpose." Some of the chapters are, Simple Abundance, A Simple Home, A Simple Family, A Simple Life, and you get the idea.
She discusses the importance of making our homes a refuge, creating traditions, and making memories. She shares the need for making time with friends a priority, which can be challenging for us, but it is so vital. She emphasizes the fact that clearing your calendar to make time for things that are the most important is so beneficial for your family.
The idea is "less is more." I just love that.
If busyness has become the norm for you, then you need to read this book. It was very convicting for me, and I was sure we needed to simplify our calendar the day we had 4 basketball games and 2 soccer games all on the same day. So we did!
If you would like to purchase the book, you can click here.
While you're at it, you might want to check out her latest book, "Misplacing God, And Finding Him Again."
Submitted by Debra Guthrie, Patriot Mom
Why Our Family Loves Providence Academy 1 comments
By Susanna Taha, Patriot Mom
Providence has been such a blessing for our family. I have seen our daughter, Sarah, gain more confidence and be more content since we started Providence back in her 3rd grade year. It has allowed Sarah to become an individual instead of just conforming to what the world expects. She has teachers and other moms who pray for her and encourage her. Sarah has formed her best friendships through the school, and I have been blessed with friends at school too. Providence has been the "best of both worlds" for our family.
Praying with other moms, or having them pray for our family has been a huge blessing. I have felt a support system from the school. Having friends from the school email or call during a difficult time we experienced recently meant the world to us. It feels like Providence is just part of our extended family. We are grateful for you!
Ephesians 1:16-"I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers."
Patriot Recipe 0 comments
By Michelle Fries
This "Fried Rice" recipe was a hit at the Mom's meeting.
Fried Rice
1 cup red bell pepper, chopped
1 cup sliced carrots
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup red beets, julienne
1/4 cup purple cabbage, sliced thin
1/2 cup peas
1/2 cup yam, julienne
1 cup water shestnuts, chopped
1 cup sprouted brown rice (takes 4 or more days to sprout)
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon minced jalapeno
2 tablespoons braggs aminos or soy sauce
1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon or lime juice
1/4 - 1/2 cup olive oil
2 teaspoons orange rind, grated (optional)
Combine the above ingredients, except orange rind, in a serving bowl. Mix, sprinkle the rind on top and serve. Serves 2.
Fried Rice
1 cup red bell pepper, chopped
1 cup sliced carrots
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup red beets, julienne
1/4 cup purple cabbage, sliced thin
1/2 cup peas
1/2 cup yam, julienne
1 cup water shestnuts, chopped
1 cup sprouted brown rice (takes 4 or more days to sprout)
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon minced jalapeno
2 tablespoons braggs aminos or soy sauce
1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon or lime juice
1/4 - 1/2 cup olive oil
2 teaspoons orange rind, grated (optional)
Combine the above ingredients, except orange rind, in a serving bowl. Mix, sprinkle the rind on top and serve. Serves 2.
This is great AND healthy! You should try it.
Tips For Tuesday 0 comments
By Shelley Cassar, Patriot Mom When the kids are at home doing their school work, the refrigerator and pantry prove to be a huge distraction for them!
I am not always able to do this, but I have found that it helps us if we have some healthy snacks made ahead of time. I usually like to have 2 to 4 of the following items put together on a tray that I leave in their work area. That keeps them reaching for healthy snacks and not so distracted by taking a break to go searching out food.
Mini fruit kabobs - on a toothpick put one grape, slice of banana and a slice of strawberry. You can also do a toothpick with pineapple, chocolate covered raisin and strawberry. Mix it up! This is also a good one to get the kids involved making the night before.
Celery with peanut butter spread in the middle and sprinkled with raisins.
Carrots drizzled with ranch. This cuts down on them using the carrot as a spoon to eat the dressing.
Pear halves filled with a little soy yogurt.
Pretzels
Crackers with peanut butter spread on top.
What are some quick easy snacks your kids enjoy?
I am not always able to do this, but I have found that it helps us if we have some healthy snacks made ahead of time. I usually like to have 2 to 4 of the following items put together on a tray that I leave in their work area. That keeps them reaching for healthy snacks and not so distracted by taking a break to go searching out food.
Mini fruit kabobs - on a toothpick put one grape, slice of banana and a slice of strawberry. You can also do a toothpick with pineapple, chocolate covered raisin and strawberry. Mix it up! This is also a good one to get the kids involved making the night before.
Celery with peanut butter spread in the middle and sprinkled with raisins.
Carrots drizzled with ranch. This cuts down on them using the carrot as a spoon to eat the dressing.
Pear halves filled with a little soy yogurt.
Pretzels
Crackers with peanut butter spread on top.
What are some quick easy snacks your kids enjoy?
Providence Science Fair 0 comments
All of the students did an excellent job on their science fair projects.
The Providence 2008-2009 science fair winners are:
Fifth grade winners:
First Place - Lakin Hall "Bridges! Which One Holds More?"
Second Place - Andrew Roberts "Wind and Walls"
Third Place - Luke Bandy "Up, Up and Aweigh"
Fourth Place - Milly Rogers "Red, Purple, Pink, Blue, Do I Read the Same as You?"
Sixth/Seventh grade winners:
First Place - Tayor Fries "The Root Rampage"
Second Place - Tyler Tutt "Glowing, Glowing, Gone"
Third Place - Garrett Greenway "Parachute Power"
Fourth Place - Maranda Bennett "Are Your Dishes Killing Fishes?"
The regional science fair will be this Friday, March 13th, at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.
Is Dinner Ready? 1 comments
Submitted by Molly Ross
Your toddler is cranky and throwing cheerios on the floor, and your older children are still not finished with their school work for the day as you notice the sun begining to set. Just then your husband calls to ask "Is dinner ready?" Instead of feeling like pulling your hair out, just pull a meal out of your freezer to pop it in the oven! "Easy for you to say," you say? It's really very simple!
I have recently begun using simple principles that I learned about on-line to prepare double (or triple!) portions and freeze the rest for a busy night. So many things can be frozen for later use- meats, sauces, soups, entrees, desserts.
Helpful Hints:
1) Try to remove all air from the container prior to freezing.
2) Wrap well to prevent freezer burn
3) Label before you freeze and date it
4) Write the cooking directions on it, to save time searching for the recipe again!
5) Freeze in casserole dishes, metal disposable dishes, ziplocs, or even freezer safe tupperware.
6) For liquids, leave room for expansion
7) Thaw and bake as usual, or bake frozen and add extra time
I pray this information blesses your family with home-cooked meals in a hurry!
Your toddler is cranky and throwing cheerios on the floor, and your older children are still not finished with their school work for the day as you notice the sun begining to set. Just then your husband calls to ask "Is dinner ready?" Instead of feeling like pulling your hair out, just pull a meal out of your freezer to pop it in the oven! "Easy for you to say," you say? It's really very simple!
I have recently begun using simple principles that I learned about on-line to prepare double (or triple!) portions and freeze the rest for a busy night. So many things can be frozen for later use- meats, sauces, soups, entrees, desserts.
Helpful Hints:
1) Try to remove all air from the container prior to freezing.
2) Wrap well to prevent freezer burn
3) Label before you freeze and date it
4) Write the cooking directions on it, to save time searching for the recipe again!
5) Freeze in casserole dishes, metal disposable dishes, ziplocs, or even freezer safe tupperware.
6) For liquids, leave room for expansion
7) Thaw and bake as usual, or bake frozen and add extra time
I pray this information blesses your family with home-cooked meals in a hurry!
Mom To Mom ~ Question Of The Week 0 comments
By Shelley Cassar, Patriot Mom
As my children grow older, I am giving them more responsibility in our home. Some of the things they love to help with are feeding the animals, taking out the trash, and emptying the dishwasher.
My question of the week is... "What are some age appropriate chores for children?"
Northwest Arkansas Summer Camp Guide 1 comments
Submitted by Lynette Duncan, Patriot Mom
A friend sent me this info, and I thought it might be something other moms would be interested in...
http://www.lifepluskids.com/the-2009-summer-camp-guide-is-here.htm
Spotlight On A Teacher ~ Mrs. Lockhart 0 comments
Many of you have heard the name, "Valerie Lockhart" on KLRC (the local Christian radio station) as the "Teacher of the Week." That would be Valerie Lockhart from Providence Academy!Valerie answered some questions for us to help us get to know her a little better.
My favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:6-7. In a very difficult time, when I was very scared, these verses calmed me and reassured me, and I experienced the “peace of God which surpasses all comprehension…” Ask me about it!
I teach 7th Grade English. I love teaching English because the English language is amazing! When you understand how it works, you become more adept at using it! That’s one reason I love grammar—it’s all about how our language works!
What would your perfect day look like? Hmmmm. I’ve never really thought about that! However, it would probably involve my family, the beach, and a buffet!
What are your favorite subjects to teach? I love to teach grammar and literature, but I enjoy teaching ANYTHING!
I love teaching at Providence because… Providence is an answer to prayer for me. I now have a place I can use the gift of teaching that God gave me in a Christian environment. Providence has allowed me to not only teach English, but to teach what His Word says, as well. It’s the best of all worlds for me! Plus, the students are AWESOME!
I believe the University Model Approach to education is successful because it emphasizes the role of the parent and the family in the education of a child. Exactly as God’s Word instructs.
When I was a child, I wanted to be a teacher and a mom when I grew up. Wow! God’s allowed me to do both of these things. I am blessed!
I teach 7th Grade English. I love teaching English because the English language is amazing! When you understand how it works, you become more adept at using it! That’s one reason I love grammar—it’s all about how our language works!
What would your perfect day look like? Hmmmm. I’ve never really thought about that! However, it would probably involve my family, the beach, and a buffet!
What are your favorite subjects to teach? I love to teach grammar and literature, but I enjoy teaching ANYTHING!
I love teaching at Providence because… Providence is an answer to prayer for me. I now have a place I can use the gift of teaching that God gave me in a Christian environment. Providence has allowed me to not only teach English, but to teach what His Word says, as well. It’s the best of all worlds for me! Plus, the students are AWESOME!
I believe the University Model Approach to education is successful because it emphasizes the role of the parent and the family in the education of a child. Exactly as God’s Word instructs.
When I was a child, I wanted to be a teacher and a mom when I grew up. Wow! God’s allowed me to do both of these things. I am blessed!
Thank you Valerie for teaching at Providence! We are blessed to have you.
Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs 3 comments
Submitted by Kelly Anderson, Patriot MomOur family is planning a trip to the Dallas area soon to see an exhibit at the Dallas Museum of Art. They currently have an exhibit called "Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs." It has 130 objects from King Tut's life and other royals from Egypt's 18th Dynasty. The treasures are all between 3,300 and 3,500 years old.
Caleb fell in love with Egyptian history last year in Mrs. Bunger's second grade class. I thought others might be interested in this information.
You can find more info. at www.dallasmuseumofart.org/tut. The exhibit ends May 17th. I think it has been very popular.
Great Supplemental Book 0 comments
Submitted by Megan Morgan, mother of Madeline (2nd Grade) and Mary Katherine (age 4).I want to introduce you to a supplemental curriculum that I enjoy using called “What your ___ Grader needs to know” for grades K-6. Each volume is written for a different grade level and is edited by E. D. Hirsch, Jr., author of Cultural Literacy (another great book about the cultural phrases and events that help us understand literature and the world around us, i.e. you “hit the nail on the head” or “let the cat out of the bag”).
If you are looking for a way to supplement an area or introduce a subject that your child is not taking, these are a great resource. They include chapters on Language and Literature (fun stories & poetry to read aloud if you haven’t made it to the library lately), History & Geography (though from a purely secular focus, but still includes neat maps and pictures), Visual Arts (with suggestions of art projects you can do to apply the concepts), Music (covering instruments, musical styles, and fun lyrics to songs every child should know), Mathematics (with extra problems and games to play), and Science (with experiments you can do). At the end of each chapter is a great list of books and/or music you can order or check out from the library if you want to go even deeper.
If you have the time, this is a relatively concise and easy way to add to your child’s day!
You can learn more about this book series at Core Knowledge by clicking here.
Moms Night Out 0 comments
For the moms who weathered the rain storm and came to the moms night out, what a treat it was! We learned great tips for scheduling, organizing our days, training our children, and shared a lot of great food!
Moms shared about supplemental educational materials such as the Flashmaster, great supplemental books, ideas for training and entertaining toddlers, and saw different ways to organize school paperwork.
We will do several posts in the near future to share some of the great ideas in case you were not able to attend.
This is a recipe brought by Jeannee Rodgers that was a hit:Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Squares
1 1/2 cups powered sugar
1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 pkg (18 oz) Pillsbury Refrigerated Chocolate Chip Cookies (I prefer to mix up a batch of my favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe instead.)
Heat oven to 350. In medium bowl, combine powdered sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla; mix well. Remove cookie dough from wrapper. With floured fingers, press half of dough in bottom of ungreased 8 or 9-inch square pan. Press peanut butter mixture evenly over dough. Press remaining half of cookie dough over peanut butter mixture. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until golden brown and firm to touch. Cool 30 minutes. Refrigerate 1 hour or until chilled. Cut into bars. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Enjoy!
Mom To Mom ~ Question Of The Week 3 comments
Submitted by Shelley Cassar, Patriot Mom
When teaching at home, my children are always asking if it is time for their "break" yet. I know they need them, but also see that they can stop the momentum of getting the work done. Instead of doing the breaks so randomly I am going to try making them more a part of the routine. So my question to all you Mom's is:
On your days teaching at home, how do you handle "breaks" for your children? Do you let them take a break every 1/2 hour, hour, after a subject is completed? What works best for your children?
On your days teaching at home, how do you handle "breaks" for your children? Do you let them take a break every 1/2 hour, hour, after a subject is completed? What works best for your children?
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